MENDOTA - Clara Marie “Krickett” DeLong, 69, of Paw Paw met her Savior on the morning of April 19, 2018 at Heritage Health in Mendota.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24 and from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 25at the Paw Paw Bible Church, 410 Seventh St., Paw Paw. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on April 25 at the church with Pastor Jedidiah Cary of the Paw Paw Bible Church and David Diestelkamp, long-time friend and preacher of the Church of Christ, officiating. Full military honors will be provided. There will be no graveside service; cremation care has been accorded. Funeral arrangements were provided by Torman Funeral Home of Paw Paw.

Clare was born Sept. 20, 1948 in Mendota to Robert Full and Lucille (Smith) (Full) Nicholson. She met Wallace DeLong while stationed at Fort Dix, N.J. and they were married on Oct. 1, 1968 in Wrightstown, N.J.

Survivors include her husband of Paw Paw; two sons, Brian (Shari) of Mendota and Jeffrey of Paw Paw; five grandsons, Shay DeLong, Alex Hinrichs, Codee DeLong, Clayton DeLong and Luciano DeLong; one granddaughter, Selena DeLong; her mother, Lucille Nicholson of Paw Paw; one sister, Linda (Chuck) Sellers of Paw Paw; two step-brothers, John K. (Susan) Nicholson and Jerry (Dawn) Nicholson, both of Paw Paw; one step-sister, Lisa (Nicholson) Hoebing of Malta; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by seven siblings in infancy, Roberta Ann Full, Robert John Full, Martin Joe Full, David James Full, James Francis Full, Brian Michael Full and Donna May Full; her father; her step-father, John A. Nicholson; and one step-brother, Jeffrey Nicholson.

Clare was a 1966 graduate of Amboy High School. After high school, she enlisted in the Army and served in the WAC unit from 1966-1968. She was a Christian and a member of the Rochelle Church of Christ. A pro-life supporter, she volunteered at the pregnancy center in Mendota. She was a published author, most notably in “Stories for the Family’s Heart.” She was an avid animal lover/rescuer and volunteered many hours at the local humane society. She was a member of American Legion Post 511. Clare worked various jobs throughout her life, but her greatest devotion and impact was as a wife, mother and “Grammy.” She made her house a haven for anyone she could help and many people were influenced by her love and hospitality. She enjoyed attending church services, reading, writing and spending time with people. She never met a stranger. She also enjoyed a good cup of coffee, which was mostly cream and sugar.

Memorials may be directed to the Rochelle Church of Christ or Abigail Women’s Center. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.